M’s notebook: Wilson, Moore to rehab in Tacoma

Mariners shortstop Jack Wilson continues recovering well from a hamstring strain and is expected to begin a rehab assignment in Tacoma on Sunday if things stay on course, manager Don Wakamatsu said Thursday.

Jack Wilson

Wilson has been out since May 5 when he injured his knee running to first base, then hurt his hamstring during a rehab assignment with AA West Tennessee. He openly wondered after that if his career might be in jeopardy due to the recurring run of leg problems, but appears on track now to return in the next week or two.

Catcher Adam Moore ran the bases for the first time Thursday as he recovers from a leg injury and he could begin a rehab in Tacoma on Sunday or Monday as well.

Catcher Josh Bard was doing work in a pool to loosen up a tight calf and could be activated late next week, Wakamatsu said.

Erik Bedard will throw a bullpen on Friday and travel with the team on its upcoming 10-day road trip and throw two bullpens and a simulated game before judging where he stands on his comeback from labrum surgery.

“I know how hard he’s worked and how far he’s come from when we first signed him last year,” Wakamatsu said. “As far as his role up here, we’ve talked about the stress put on a six-man bullpen, especially with the stretch we’re going through right now, it just gives us another pitcher. We’ll probably use him anywhere from the fifth-inning on, trying to get an inning every-other-day scenario and get him acclimated.”

Wakamatsu said Cordero’s velocity seems to be close to back to normal and that his experience in the big leagues is a plus for the bullpen.

Sweeney cooling: With right-hander Carl Pavano (5-5, 3.99) pitching for the Twins, Wakamatsu is going with Milton Bradley at designated hitter and Casey Kotchman at first base, giving Mike Sweeney the day off.

After a torrid streak, Sweeney has cooled off in the past week, going 2-for-21 in his last five starts as his batting average has dropped from .309 back to .258.